Talking Past Each Other

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Who’s right? They’re all arguing about inequality, but is the President? Here is what Obama actually said:

“There’s a dangerous and growing inequality and lack of upward mobility that has jeopardized middle-class America’s basic bargain that if you work hard, you have a chance to get ahead. I believe this is the defining challenge of our time: making sure our economy works for every working American…”

O.K., Mr. President, can I stop you right there? What is the defining challenge again? Is it “dangerous and growing inequality?” Or “lack of upward mobility?” Or “making sure our economy works for every working American?” Because those are three distinct “defining” challenges—which may or may not be causally connected, and certainly do not demand the same policy responses.

Challenge #2: Immobility

Challenge #3: Economy Working for All

To create an economy that securely supports more families, boost aggregate demand to create jobs, raise the minimum wage, introduce health care fit for at least the 20th century, improve family leave and invest in infrastructure and skills.

Of course, you may be worried about all three challenges, and so want to pursue policies under each heading. Fine. But don’t confuse them. And don’t make bad empirical arguments trying to link them all together. Make good political arguments for each.